Vera Thomas, MA
Vera Thomas, MA, is an ICF Certified Coach and founder of Instilling Greatness, where she empowers parents, children, and individuals to reach their highest potential. With over 40 years of experience in personal and professional development, Vera has worked with schools, organizations, companies, and churches to provide transformative coaching, leadership development, and motivational guidance. Her approach blends life coaching, youth development, and family-centered strategies to help clients overcome challenges and build lasting confidence.
Vera’s work is deeply rooted in her personal journey. Having endured childhood bullying, abuse, homelessness, and the loss of her mother at a young age, she transformed her hardships into a life mission of uplifting others. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission,” Vera dedicates her life to helping others recognize their worth, resolve emotional struggles, and cultivate resilience. She has co-authored over 22 books, including three on parenting, and develops programs that equip families with tools for sustainable personal growth.
In addition to her coaching and writing, Vera is a motivational speaker and poet. She hosts the Vera Thomas Show, a podcast honoring her mother, Canton, Ohio’s first female radio host, and she is organizing the international poetry anthology Voices That Lift Us. Through her speaking, coaching, and creative work, Vera inspires youth and adults alike to bridge the gap between how they see themselves and how they aspire to live, making her a powerful force for positive change in the lives of those she touches.
• University of Phoenix - MA
• Nominated for Best Podcast
• Voices That Lift Us Poetry Anthology
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother. My mother died at the age of [AGE], but she was my rock and my encourager. I grew up with a stepfather that was not very kind to me, and my mother was always my support. As a matter of fact, I was asked to write a chapter in a book about mothers, and I just finished writing my chapter regarding my mom. She was extraordinary. She really was. She died of cancer. My sister died of cancer, and my brother just recently died, unexpectedly and suddenly. So all of my siblings are gone, and it's just me. But my mother, she was my first role model and just an extraordinary woman. She was the first to have a radio show in Canton, Ohio, and I took over her show. I lost it because of politics, and when I was approached about having my own show, I immediately thought about my mom, and so my show is actually dedicated to her.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” That quote was truly transformative for me. It deeply resonated and continues to guide me in my work with both youth and adults. I strive to help others recognize that their value is not defined by how others perceive them, but by their own choices and confidence.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, are honesty, integrity, and kindness. I strive to approach every interaction with transparency, ethical behavior, and genuine care for others.
Locations
Instilling Greatness
Canton, OH 44703